LONDON Irish captain Barney Maddison was left frustrated after Exiles lost a fourth European Challenge Cup Pool Two game out of five with a 27-10 reverse at Bayonne.

The hosts made a blistering start and went in front inside two minutes when fly-half Manuel Ordas sliced through the visitors' defence for a converted try.

A second try arrived 10 minutes later courtesy of wing Sean Robinson, however Exiles cut the gap just after the half-hour mark when American international centre Bryce Campbell powered across the whitewash following a fine pass from scrum-half Nick Phipps.

It was the home side who were to have the final say of the opening period, though, Jean Monribot collecting a loose ball he kicked ahead to go over for another converted try and a 19-5 half-time advantage.

Declan Kidney's men started the second period well, however, and fit-again Matt Williams marked his return from an eight-week injury lay-off with a fine individual score.

Bayonne hit back, though, extending their lead back to 12 points through a Brandon Fajardo penalty, and they wrapped up a try bonus-point with eight minutes remaining when Rely Baget went over in the corner.

The defeat was Exiles' fifth in a row in all competitions, but they were boosted by the debut of Australian international prop Sekope Kepu early in the second half.

Reflecting on the game, Maddison commented: "It was frustrating, we played well in patches, but then they would score. I can't fault the effort of the lads, but we couldn't get the result."

Meanwhile, the returning Williams was delighted to be back on the field, but confessed: "It was disappointing. They're a very physical team and we knew it was going to take an 80-minute performance.

"We wanted to take them down in the second half, but a few things went against us and full credit to them, they played well."

London Irish conclude their European campaign with a home game under the Madejski Stadium lights against Scarlets on Saturday night (8pm).